Just like baby’s first nappy change and nail trim, the first bath is one of the most intense experiences any parent faces at the beginning of their parenting journey. It can be daunting, scary, and – as many parents would agree – eventful, but it is still extremely important as it will set the tone for your child’s future bathtime routine.
Not only small and fragile, babies can also be quite slippery when wet, making bathtime even trickier than it already is. It’s time to leave your worries at the bathroom door as we have found a few ways to make this wet task more fun for both you and baby.
Sing A Song!
Here’s your chance to not only showcase your strong vocal chords but keep your little one entertained while you’re at it. Bathtime can be a big sensory experience, especially for newborns. By adding soothing sounds and fun songs to your baby’s new routine, he or she will most likely be less stressed (thanks to your lovely voice) but it’ll also expand her music and language skills! Not only that, simple activities such as clapping or tapping will help stimulate baby’s musical rhythm.
Bring Out The Toys!
Sometimes a distraction is all you need to make everything go easier – and that’s when rubber duckies, sailboats, and the like make their appearance! Giving your baby something to hold and play with will not only keep them distracted from all the washing you intend to do but also help encourage and build their motor skills. Younger babies will learn how to grasp and hold on to their toys while older babies will learn about imaginative play – while parents can encourage this by role playing or giving a commentary of everything that is happening (‘rubber ducky seems to enjoy being dunked underwater!’)
It’s Time To Get Creative!
Once your baby is 9 months or older, you will start to notice him or her reacting to different faces, sounds, and games such as hide and seek or ‘peekaboo’. This is the perfect time for you to turn each bathtime into an adventure. Pretend the tub is the ocean and your hand is a shark or pour water from stacking cups for imaginary rain or waterfall.
Save Water, Bath Together!
All parents know that every baby is different; some are born loving the feel of water on their skin while others may be extremely wary of water. To make bathtime less scary, why not slide in the tub with your baby? Babies love the feel of skin-to-skin with their parents as it not only encourages bonding but creates an emotional connection between parent and child. Being close to your baby, especially when they are scared will make them feel safe and secure and will also help them adjust better to being in the water.
P.S We would advise parents to not bath with their baby under the shower as there is less control of the water flow and babies are extra slippery when wet. Parents should also be extra cautious when getting out of the bathtub as it can be very slippery.
Save Time With NIVEA BABY Head To Toe Shampoo & Bath
Busy parents, we have news for you! Your search for a 2-in-1 product that cuts baby’s bathtime in half while keeping their skin and hair soft and clean is over! With the use of gentle care formula by natural derived ingredients, it helps your baby’s skin feel clean, soft, and smooth after every wash, ensuring it is extra gentle on baby’s inquisitive eyes, delicate skin, and fine hair.
To maintain the suppleness of your baby’s skin, apply NIVEA BABY Soothing Caring Oil after bathing for baby massage, as well as to lock in the moisture and keeping the baby’s skin hydrated. NIVEA BABY’s range is co-developed by dermatologists and paediatricians, free from parabens, colourants and alcohol. It’s no doubt that NIVEA BABY’s range provides the best gentle care solutions for your little one’s skin every day because NIVEA BABY knows what is truly good for you and your baby!